Is an antarctic cruise right for you?

People who travel to Antarctica are in search of something incredible. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to see if this kind of voyage is right for you

Published 12.23.2015

Antarctic travel is an experience unlike any other, because it is a place unlike any other. Individual characteristics of the continent can be found elsewhere, sure, but the undeveloped, untouched landscape combined with the sheer remoteness of the area make visiting Antarctica like traveling to another world. It's a special place, and it calls for a special type of traveler.

The area surrounding the south pole has always appealed to the most intrepid individuals out there. Even before it was discovered, explorers were working to find this elusive and mysterious destination. The same holds true today - people who travel to Antarctica are in search of something incredible. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to see if this kind of voyage is right for you:

Are you drawn to adventure?

When Robert F. Scott and Roald Amundsen raced to the south pole, they were answering the call of adventure. The same is true of Ernest Shackleton and his crew aboard "The Endurance," who survived a harrowing journey across the pack ice. Modern voyages are, of course, much safer than these early expeditions to Antarctica - but that spirit of adventure still exists. If you're drawn to the idea of having an active, exciting vacation, Antarctica will certainly provide.

Can you handle the elements?

There's really no denying it - even in the summer, Antarctica has intense weather. That said, many antarctic voyagers find the cold refreshing. In addition, when you cruise to Antarctica most of your time will be spent along the Antarctic Peninsula, which doesn't get as cold as it does further inland.

Even on the relatively warm peninsula, antarctic vacations are active journeys with plenty of hiking, walking and other physically demanding activities. Travelers who yearn to test their mettle against the elements will have an absolutely incredible experience.

Do you like being first?

There's something immensely satisfying about doing something no one (or nearly no one) else has done. That drive to accomplish something unique has brought people toward the south pole since it was first discovered, and it continues drawing people in today.

Even though Antarctica is more accessible than it ever has been before, according to Cruise Critic, it's still visited by fewer than 20,000 cruise passengers annually. That may seem like a large number, but it's infinitesimal when talking about tourist destinations. Antarctica is practically untouched - historically speaking, visitors today are still among the first to explore this land.

Are you a fan of wildlife?

Because human life has only existed on Antarctica for a couple hundred years - and even since then, in incredibly small quantities - the antarctic wildlife isn't particularly shy around humans. Penguins, seals and whales are all fairly easy to spot in the summer months, and many don't mind if humans get close. You should still exercise caution around these creatures, of course, but there are few chances to see wildlife so personally outside of Antarctica.

Does science fascinate you?

The area surrounding the south pole is the site of plenty of scientific research and discovery. Depending on the cruise, you may be able to take a look at some of the research that's being done there.

Any cruise at all will give you a glimpse of one captivating astronomical concept: the Midnight Sun. The Earth's tilted axis means that during most of summer, the sun never sets in Antarctica. This is an incredible sight to see, and one you're bound to remember forever.

If you've answered yes to all of the questions above, only one remains: